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Chapter 98 - Chapter 98 – The Architect’s Gambit

The void between galaxies rippled like an ocean under a black sun. Deep within that darkness floated the Architect—a shape beyond mortal comprehension, shifting between geometries and monstrous forms, each more unnerving than the last.

Its many voices spoke as one, echoing across the emptiness:

"They touched the Nexus. They awakened Infinity. Unacceptable."

Tendrils of shadow stretched outward, connecting to distant worlds. Images flared in the darkness—empires crumbling, cities consumed, oceans boiling under unseen forces. All of it, fuel for the Architect's grand design.

"Send the Echo-Lords," it commanded.

From the void emerged titans of living night, armored in obsidian and wreathed in voidfire. Each knelt before their master.

"Hunt them. Leave no star unburned."

The Architect's form pulsed, and for a moment, its countless eyes turned toward a single distant point in the galaxy—the alien stronghold where Kaelen and the others now stood.

"I will have what is mine."

The Alien Stronghold

Back in the humming chamber, the crew tried to steady themselves. Ceyra's hands danced over the control panels, deciphering alien glyphs.

"This place isn't just a base," she murmured. "It's a weapon. And it's unfinished."

Rhyss frowned. "Unfinished weapons aren't exactly comforting."

Before she could respond, a holographic map bloomed into view, revealing an entire network of dormant stations spread across the galaxy.

Lyra stepped closer. "These… these could fight the Architect?"

"Maybe," Ceyra said. "If we can wake them all up."

Kaelen crossed his arms, jaw tight. "And if we can't?"

The chamber shook violently, cutting off any answer.

Arrival

Outside the stronghold, reality itself split open. A gateway of shadow tore through space, and from it descended the first of the Echo-Lords—a towering figure of obsidian metal and black flame, its presence so immense it bent gravity around it.

Inside, alarms blared.

Rhyss swore. "We've got incoming!"

Lyra turned to Kaelen, eyes blazing. "Then we hold this place. No matter what."

The Echo-Lord's massive fist struck the stronghold's shields, and the entire structure groaned under the impact.

Far away, unseen, the Architect whispered into the darkness:

"Run, little sparks. Run, and burn brighter… before I snuff you out."

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